The Five Purposes of Government

Military Serves & Protects America

Provide a Common Defense

• What is it?
  • The government protects national and economic security for the nation

• Examples:
  • Nations maintain an army, navy, air force and coast guard for protection against threats
  • Government limits trade agreements formed among nation
• Why is it Important?
  • One of government's responsibilities is to defend the nation against foreign enemies; it is difficult to provide national security with the world constantly changing everyday. The last thing people would want is to be attacked and have war break out. Government protecting against attacks and providing economic security stops chaos and war from breaking out.

Government requires citizens to pay tax

Resolve Conflict Within the Society

• What is it?

  • Court & law aids in resolution to conflict

    The government solves problems and arguments that arise among the people in an orderly manner
• Examples:
  • Require people to pay taxes
  • Require people (of age and usually men) to serve in the army
  • Provide structures such as courts to resolve conflict
• Why is it Important?
  • Government aiding in resolving conflicts among the people helps maintain social order in the nation. If government did not intervene, a civilized community would not exist due to disagreements and unresolved conflict.

Inspectors check food at restauraunts to see if it is up to standards

Provide Public Services

• What is it?
  • The government provides services that individuals would not do to promote the general welfare
• Examples:
  • Build sewer systems
  • Government inspectors check meat and produce for quality
  • Government inspectors check air, water, and road quality
• Why is it Important?
  • By providing public services, the government helps in making community life possible. Many of the services the government provides would very rarely be done by voluntary individuals.

Secure & Protect the Rights of the People

• What is it?
  • Ensure the protection of the three unalienable rights (life, liberty & property) through the law
• Examples:
  • Life, Liberty & property are the basis of laws
  • The amendments of the constitution state the rights of the people
• Why is it Important?
  • It is important that the government aids in protecting the three unalienable rights that humans have. It is extremely difficult for an individual to do so on their own. Even with the government protecting those rights, conflicts arise when there are different interpretations of a crime that was commited. Thus, resulting in the purpose of government to resolve conflict within the society.

Government evaulates economic decisions

Facilitate Economic Decision Making

• What is it?
  • The government makes economic decisions based on what is best for the majority of the population
• Examples:
  • Make payments to farmers who raise certain crops
  • Allow tax advantages to certain industries
  • Engourage trade to stimulate the economy
• Why is it Important?
  • It is important for government to make economic decisions because of the constant struggle of scarcity. Conflicts may arise if there is a large gap between the rich and the poor in society. If the economy isn't doing to well, the government intervenes to help stimulate the economy.